Upper-end prices in security estates such as Kanonberg and Welgedacht in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, have dropped in some instances by up to 25%, giving buyers even more reason to invest here now.
This is according to Fanie Marais, Seeff licensee for the Welgedacht and Durbanville areas, who says that the areas have become highly sought after with family buyers looking for a better quality lifestyle and access to excellent schools. The broad selection of property means there’s a wide choice in terms of accommodation and price points on offer.
Whether you want a compact lifestyle, large family house or the added peace of mind of a security estate, you will find it here. And, the value is excellent, given that you get more space as houses and plots tend to bigger with beautiful gardens, room for children to grow, swimming pools and fabulous entertainment areas.
Despite a challenging market, buyers are making the best of it, and Marais says Seeff has already concluded significant sales in the Welgedacht and Durbanville areas this year. Prices range from around R1.57 million at the Tyger Waterfront to R4.3 million in Loevenstein, R5.495 million in Oude Westhof and R5.75 million in Kanonberg. Further sales range to R4.3 million in Aurora, R6 million and R7 million, both in Welgedacht, R7.5 million in Ruitershoogte.
The highest prices achieved over the last year include R6.5 million in Welgedacht, R7.5 million in Vierlanden and R5.2 million in Welgevonden. Many areas offer higher stock levels to choose from, with suburbs such as Pinehurst, Kenridge and the Tyger Waterfront an excellent choice right now. You can find excellent value in the R1.5 million to R3.5 million range, he says.
For rentals, the best areas include Oude Westhof, Van Riebeeckshof and the Tyger Waterfront. The highest rentals achieved include R28 000 per month at Oude Westhof and R45 000 in Welgedacht.
The upside of the downmarket conditions is that it creates excellent opportunities for buyers to invest at price levels well below what it might have been otherwise.
The suburbs offer an excellent value proposition. They are central with easy access to main arterials. Close by, you have the Durbanville Wine Valley which dates to the early 17th century and offers twelve wineries with well-known cellars such as Durbanville Hills, D'Aria, Diemersdal, Meerendal, De Grendel and Nitida.
The beautiful surroundings of wheat fields, vineyards and the hills, along with iconic views of Table Mountain, are being rediscovered by buyers, says Marais.
Welgedacht and Durbanville are well suited to those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, and residents can enjoy walking and cycling along the beautiful tree-lined lanes of the suburbs or venture towards the wineries and scenic countryside.
Security is an important feature of the area, and there are active neighbourhood watch organisations, making it ideal for families and children. Over the weekends you can enjoy the nearby wine valley and indulge in hikes, cycling and even horse riding. The Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club offers over 120kms of trails to enjoy, along with fabulous hiking and horse riding in the area. There is also the Tygerberg Nature Reserve for picnics and the like.
All your needs are catered for with an array of amenities and facilities, from childcare and schools to places of worship, sport and leisure and excellent retail and restaurant facilities. There are a number of shopping malls, including the Tyger Valley mega mall which offers sought-after local and international brands, a food court and restaurants. The Tyger Waterfront is another attraction, offering a mix of waterside apartments, shops and business complexes. There are also top-class medical facilities and hospitals in the area.